TOKYO--According to news reports, Square Enix will be going into the toy business in Japan. The company will reportedly release several action figures based on the Final Fantasy series.

　　In the "Final Fantasy Trading Arts: Volume 1", seven different action figures representing characters from Final Fantasy VII through X will be released in packages that will be sold at the price of 500 yen ($4.50). The system works similar to trading cards, since the packages are unmarked and contains a random figure, which can be collected and traded with other people to complete a full set. Characters to be released in the Volume 1 collection are: Cloud Strife (FFVII), Sephiroth (FFVII), Rinoa Heartilly (FFVIII), Vivi Ornitier (FFIX), Yuna (FFX), Lulu (FFX), and one unannounced, secret character. The figures will hit retailers at the end of March, 2004.

　　While both Square and Enix have released toys in their past, this will be the first action figure offering since the merger of the two companies. Enix has been known for releasing merchandise from its Dragon Quest franchise, while Square has released a number of Final Fantasy-related products previously as well.